You’ve decided to book maternity photos, yay! This is such a special chapter in your story, and capturing it can feel incredibly meaningful. But now comes the next decision: Where should we take the photos?

As one of the trusted maternity photographers in Pittsburgh, I often get asked:

“Should we do our session outdoors or in the studio?”

The good news is that there’s no wrong answer. It all comes down to your comfort, personality, and the kind of feel you want your photos to have. If you’re unsure which direction to take, this guide will help you.

Outdoor Maternity Sessions: Natural, Light-Filled, and Relaxed

If you love open skies, tall grass, golden sunsets, or a more natural, candid vibe, an outdoor session might be perfect for you.

Why Outdoor Might Be Right for You:

You love natural light? Sunset (golden hour) lighting creates that dreamy, glowy skin tone that so many expecting moms love.

You want movement? There’s room to walk, twirl, or sway, making the session feel more like a walk in the park than a photo shoot.

You have little ones joining? Outdoor space gives kids more freedom to explore and stay engaged without feeling confined.

You like variety? Pittsburgh has some stunning locations, from wide open fields to wooded trails and urban parks. Each setting adds its own feel to your images.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Weather matters. Outdoor sessions are beautiful, but they’re at the mercy of Pittsburgh’s sometimes unpredictable skies. We may need a backup date or indoor option.

Timing is everything. Golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset) offers the best light, but can sometimes overlap with dinner or bedtime for toddlers.

Outfit coordination. Colors and textures show up differently outdoors, so I help guide wardrobe choices based on the season and location.

Studio Maternity Sessions: Cozy, Classic, and Stress-Free

If you’re looking for simplicity, privacy, and comfort, a studio session might be just what you need.

Why Studio Might Be Right for You:

Comfort comes first: My studio is calm, cozy, and temperature-controlled. You don’t have to worry about wind, rain, heat, or mud. Just show up and relax.

It’s distraction-free: No crowds, no curious onlookers. It’s just you (and your family if they’re joining), focusing on connection and slowing down.

Minimal and timeless: Studio sessions are perfect for soft, emotional images with clean backdrops that keep the focus on you and your bump.

Wardrobe help is built in: You’ll have full access to my client closet, and changing outfits is easy and private.

Things to Consider:

Less environmental variety. The focus is on you, not the landscape. If you’re drawn to seasonal colors or nature-based scenes, outdoor may be a better fit.

Studio style is more intimate. It works beautifully for soft, artistic portraits and moody lighting—but not everyone prefers that look.

Limited space for large groups. While partners and siblings are welcome, studio sessions are more tailored to small groups or solo portraits.

So… Which One’s Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some families choose outdoor sessions because they love the movement and natural scenery. Others feel more themselves in the studio, where everything is quiet, comfortable, and curated. And honestly? Some even do both: a full maternity session outdoors and a shorter in-studio mini for variety.

Whether you’re planning a fall field session, dreaming of minimalist studio portraits, or somewhere in between, I’ll walk you through everything. From wardrobe styling to location scouting, I’ll help you choose the space that feels most like you.

As One of the Maternity Photographers in Pittsburgh, Here’s What I Want You to Know

This is your story, your time of waiting, growing, and loving in advance. It deserves to be captured in a way that feels real, beautiful, and completely yours.

No matter where we shoot, I’ll make sure the experience feels easy and meaningful from start to finish.

Not sure which to choose? Let’s talk about it!

We’ll find the space, studio or outdoor, that brings your vision to life and makes you feel confident, calm, and cared for every step of the way.